Betsy Thomas Set As New ‘Bad Judge’ Showrunner

Betsy Thomas has closed a deal to join new NBC comedy series Bad Judge as executive producer/showrunner. Thomas was immediately approached for the jobwhen Liz Brixius exited the Universal TV-produced show 10 days ago. Thomas, who is under an overall deal at Uni TV, ran NBC/Uni TV’s Whitney in its first season. She already is working on Bad Judge, which is slated to premiere on Oct. 2, with four episodes filmed before Thomas’ arrival. Additionally, I hear Thomas has sold a multi-camera comedy project to NBC with Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner’s Hazy Mills. It centers on a young guy who prefers to hang out with older women than people his own age.

Bad Judge, from Uni TV, studio-based Gary Sanchez Prods. and creator Chad Kultgen, stars Kate Walsh as wild child Rebecca Wright who knows how to have a good time, but she also happens to be one of L.A.’s toughest and most respected criminal court judges. Kultgen, Walsh, Anne Heche, Jill Sobel Messick, Kevin Messick, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay executive produce the series, which is scheduled as part of NBC’s new hourlong Thursday comedy block.

My Boys lasted 4 seasons (49 episodes), and Whitney was cancelled after she left. Betsy is a triple threat: a great writer, showrunner and director. I suggest you at least check someone’s IMDB page before you criticize them. It’s like saying “Joss Whedon is such a hack, Firefly only lasted one season”. Idiots.

End rant.

Chaz • on Sep 17, 2014 5:36 pm

My Boys was not a comedy it was the absence of comedy. If getting 4 seasons of the only show TBS was trying to hang their hat on is, which was a boring nothing of a show, 10 years ago, is your example of her incredible record, she needs a new PR person.

Hambone • on Sep 17, 2014 4:41 pm

How was this show not called, “Don’t Judge Me!”?

William Petersen • on Sep 18, 2014 10:57 am

THIS IS LEGAL?… is much better than ..Bad Judge. Nolo contendre…

Fropia • on Sep 18, 2014 12:25 pm

My choice would’ve been Mabel Fagen, but I’m sure Betsy will do a nice job.